Highlighting Equity Leaders through the ED&D Podcast Studio
We’re excited to announce Season 2 of the ED&D Podcast Studio! Through our podcasts ED&D provides access to engaging conversations with educators and community members who share their personal and professional experiences. Conversations explore their journey through education, describe their efforts toward building equity in our school systems, and explain barriers that have caused them to re-think their approach to systems change. Today we share some highlights from Episode 1 with special guest Dr. Talisa Sullivan, Executive Director of the Equity Department at the San Diego County Office of Education. Listen to “Bringing the Equity Community Together to Learn and Share Ideas for Collaboration: Equity is Love in Action 2024” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Inviting You to Attend the Equity is Love in Action Conference
The Equity is Love annual conference hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) brings together renowned speakers in the world of education and equity with varied backgrounds and perspectives. The conference is designed to provide new insights and inspiration for educators, community leaders, parents, students, advocates, and policymakers to learn together and collaborate to improve outcomes for students. The upcoming conference will be held in San Diego, CA on January 18-19, 2024. Join us at the Equity is Love in Action 2024 Conference!
Using the Equity Blueprint to Promote Cultural Responsiveness in Schools
The SDCOE’s Equity Blueprint for Action can be used as a tool to guide educators as they strive to improve educational outcomes for three specific student groups including African American, American Indian, and LatinX students. The blueprint describes the need for Socially Conscious Leadership development in order to address four Equity themes: Asset-based Systems; Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Instruction; Family and Community Voice; and Student Agency and Voice. The Equity Blueprint for Action is a valuable resource, visit the SDCOE Equity Blueprint for Action website to access this valuable tool and additional information.
Building Capacity through the Statewide System of Support
The California System of Support has been focused on building educator capacity and improving outcomes for students since its inception in 2018. The Statewide System of Support (SSOS) includes Geographic Leads and Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Leads to provide coordinated, needs-based, and differentiated resources and support to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to improve services for all students evidenced by the closing of opportunity gaps and increased achievement (CCEE Annual Report 22-23). Learn more about how Geographic Lead Agencies and SELPA Lead Agencies can support your students and educational communities.
Remembering Some Important Podcast Points
During our podcast interview with Dr. Sullivan she shared some important points that we want to remember:
We need high quality leaders to support high quality teachers to instruct students
Our students should be provided with engaging learning activities which foster learning
Ensure that students are involved in the decision-making process
Celebrate and acknowledge various ethnicities and languages to allow students to feel seen and heard
As we sign off, we want to once again thank Dr. Talisa Sullivan for being our podcast guest. It was a pleasure to engage in conversation with her.
Collaborate with ED&D to Enhance Educational Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
Together, let's drive the wave of change, transforming education into an inclusive and empowering force for all. Contact ED&D to learn how we can support your school or district in reducing disproportionality and building equity based educational systems for all students!